BrahMos Missile Set For Indian Air Force Su-30MKIs

Russia and India have agreed to develop a hypersonic version of the BrahMos missile, which would achieve speeds of Mach 5-7.

The integration of the new BrahMos missile on to Sukhoi’s Su-30MKI long-range fighter is due to reach a key milestone this year with integration of the weapon on test aircraft, ahead of planned first deliveries to the Indian Air Force (IAF) next year.

Shivathnu Pillai, CEO and managing director of BrahMos Aerospace, told AIN, “We faced many challenges…it has already gone to the Navy and the Army, and the Indian Air Force will get it next year.” Earlier this year, the Indian Navy successfully tested a highly maneuverable version of a sea-based BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.

The IAF is planning to arm 40 Su-30MKI Flanker-H fighters with BrahMos missiles, which have been developed through an India-Russia joint venture. “We plan to integrate the missile with the Su-30s next year,” said Pillai, who admitted that weight has been an issue. “The BrahMos is 2.5 [metric] tons… we need to strengthen the structure of the aircraft and bring the weight down. We also need to strengthen the rocket launcher, for which tests have already been carried out. The first test will be done at the end of 2013. Induction in the IAF will be in 2015,” he continued. “The pontoon test will be done this year and then we go into new variants.” The submarine firing was delayed as it needed a platform, which was “locked on to another project,” Pillai said.

Comments

While India has taken almost 5 years and will take another 5 for the integration and operational status for this Mach 2.5 anti ship missile, Pakistan has already imported and integrated hypersonic CM-400,top speed mach 5.5,operational now on thunders in anti radar anti ship, pre-emptive strike roles.Initial order for 100 with 10 already shipped.And no brahmos is not Indian either but a Russian missile of cold war era with Indian paint:)Its all down to Indian diet i think.......cowcola :)